Apple in typical fashion likes to push its muscle around. The underdog of a computer & software company has become the very thing they wanted to break free of and resist. Oh the irony. That doesn’t stop me from using their products as I really do appreciate their design and ease of use. Back to the first sentence. Apple has used it’s clout to up the music previews in iTunes. Now for any songs over two minutes and 30 seconds, you will get a nice 90 second preview. The way they went about it wasn’t the most classy way, but hey – I’m not going to protest because I always felt 30 seconds was way too short. The funny thing is it was earlier this year when CD Baby pulled their two minute previews down to 30 seconds – I can tell you that actually led to a drop in sales interest (bummer). It will be interesting to see if they bring it in line with Apple’s lead and go back to 90 seconds. Of course as an Artist I put two minute previews on my website as I think that’s a perfect representation for making a sale.
The first song of mine that I clicked on to see the effect of the 90 second preview was Christmas Brought Me You. Starts midway into the chorus and plays along into the next chorus and so on. Great way to get to know a song. Don’t you agree?
The biggest hurdle for all of this was the publishers and performing rights organizations. The hold up was that anything over 30 seconds becomes a performance and thus needs to be paid for from a playback stance. Actually any amount of use is worthy of a performance royalty. But these previews are granted as exceptions.
Since it’s fresh in my mind and I’ve had some wonderful things said about it, I’m gonna roll with Christmas Brought Me You. What was said about it? One fan mentioned it’s the top of a very short list of one for being a new standard Christmas song. That’s a pretty short list and a mighty fine thing to say. I’m flattered. The song has been being used for several years now as the theme for Grant’s Advent Calendar podcast. A wonderful and fun excursion into the world of advent calendars.
Myself, I like the springy nature and playful vibe to the song. It’s definitely not like most traditional holiday songs, especially the ‘standard’ favorites of Christmas. Would it be awesome if it became a standard? You bet. I’d like that a whole bunch. What about you? Do you have it yet? Get it for that special someone.